The deuces, they keep coming. On the heels of unveiling the M235i coupe - the first of the 2 Series and successor to the 1 - BMW is at it again, this time heralding the arrival of the 2 Active Tourer, a five-door CUV of sorts that represents the brand's first foray into production front-wheel-drive (FWD). The crossover will floss turbo engine choices and the latest in BMW EfficientDynamics tech and ConnectedDrive connectivity - a raft of features outlined below.

There was a day when front drive meant compromised driving dynamics, but not anymore. The 2 Active Tourer employs a single-joint spring strut axle at the front, a multi-link rear axle and electromechanical steering system to make it agile, precise, stable and comfortable, especially up front where BMW claims to have achieved outstanding steering feedback and zero torque steer.

The OEM also infuses the Active Tourer with many of its EfficientDynamics technologies, like the use of lightweight high-tensile steels, Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Gearshift Indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and integral Air Curtain, which uses two vertical air inlets in the front bumper to direct the airstream along the front wheels. If FWD doesn't float your boat, BMW looks to be adding xDrive AWD variants2 Active Tourer lineup later on.

Oh, but it can. With unmistakable design cues like forward-slanting kidney grille at the front flanked by twin circular lights, short overhangs, Hofmeister kink in the rear side windows (wow, there's a name for that?), L-shaped rear lights and interior controls angled toward the driver, how can the 2 Active Tourer be anything else?

That's another reason why the 2 Active Tourer is unequivocally Bimmer - trims include a sporty Sport Line (see what we did there?), an elegant Luxury Line and an M Sport package, and nothing is more "M" than BMW. The kit includes M Aero, M suspension and 17 or 18-inch M alloy rims for the exterior and M leather steering wheel and uniquely upholstered sport seats for the inside.

Topping the engine range will be the 225i Active Tourer, which boasts a 231hp four banger that pulls the car to 62mph from a standing start in a smidge under 7 seconds (6.8 according the BMW). The diesel plant in the 218d makes just 150hp by comparison but does so with an incredible 243 lb-ft of torque, while the three-pot petrol unit in the 218i is a 1.5L number that generates 136hp.

Like any proper ute, the 2 Active Tourer rocks space for haulin' stuff. Interior room is optimized through the use of elements like a long wheelbase, raised roof and fold-flat passenger seat. Higher seating positions up front make it easier to get in and out of the CUV, and access to the hatch is simplified thanks to the large, broad, wide-opening tailgate, which can furthermore be optionally specified with pushbutton automatic opening and closing or the Smart Opener function that works with a quick flick of the foot. There's also an option of a large panoramic roof for the ultimate in all-around viewing.

The 2 Active Tourer also has a host of ConnectedDrive bells and whistles, BMW's name for its assistance systems and various infotainment features. The lot includes tech like the Traffic Jam Assistant and the camera-based cruise control system with Stop & Go function, which both work using a mono camera. BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps bring smartphone apps into the car and allow features like the Concierge Service or Real Time Traffic Information to be added. Finally, the Active Tourer is the first model in the premium compact class to be made available with a Head-Up Display; however, instead of being displayed on the windscreen itself, the information is shown on a screen that extends out between the steering wheel and windscreen.